As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Big & Mini is on a mission to eradicate loneliness. By matching seniors with young adults, we create mutually beneficial connections centered around similar interests and intergenerational connections. Thus far, our platform has brought together thousands of volunteers from all 50 states and 22 countries and has been featured in NBC's Today Show, the Dallas Morning News, the Houston Chronicle, and more.
First and foremost: social isolation. While loneliness has always been a problem, COVID-19 and the resulting lockdown have forced us all to recognize the immense impact of loneliness on our lives. Numerous studies have demonstrated the damage loneliness inflicts on people, both mentally and physically - some say it equals the effect of smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
The problem of loneliness is certainly widespread, but the solution is simple: connect people. Big & Mini connects younger people and seniors for virtual conversations on our website. Beyond combating social isolation, there is also the also hope that forming intergenerational connections can provide younger people with invaluable mentorship from those with one-of-a-kind life experience, along with an opportunity to give back to the community of older adults by offering a fresh perspective.
Most importantly, both the younger and older people get to form a meaningful social connection - a critical step towards fighting the current epidemic of loneliness. Hopefully, we can someday eradicate loneliness.
